Attorney General Jack Conway
today unveiled ICareAboutKids.ky.gov,
a newly designed website created for the Child Victims’ Trust Fund (CVTF). The updated
and user-friendly website gives Kentuckians better access to information about
the CVTF’s child sexual abuse prevention initiatives and the resources that are
available to them. The website also allows Kentuckians to donate to the fund.

“Statistics show that 1 in 10
children in the United States will be sexually abused before they turn 18,”
General Conway said. “The effects of this abuse are devastating on a child and
can last a lifetime. By increasing awareness about the CVTF and its importance through
ICareAboutKids.ky.gov, we can better educate Kentuckians and continue funding
the necessary programs that serve kids across our Commonwealth.”

The CVTF has provided funding to
regional and statewide child sexual abuse prevention programs since 1985. These
programs provide children with personal safety skills, teach adults how to keep
kids safe from sexual abuse and exploitation, and educate the public on how to report
suspected child abuse, which Kentucky law requires. The CVTF also helps pay for
child sexual abuse medical exams at children’s advocacy centers across the
state. The fund is administered by the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Prevention (CSAEP) Board, which Attorney General Conway chairs.

“Last year alone, the CVTF
provided more than $200,000 to grantees to address both child sexual abuse and
human trafficking issues,” said Dr. Ginger Crumbo, a licensed child
psychologist and CSAEP Board member. “We
are thrilled to launch this user-friendly website, which provides critical
resources and information about our vital statewide abuse prevention programs.”

In addition to the CVTF website
unveiling, Attorney General Conway announced today that a public service
announcement encouraging Kentuckians to support the CVTF through the Kentucky
Income Tax Refund Check-Off campaign will begin airing this week on radio and
TV stations across the Commonwealth. Located in the “Fund Contributions”
section of the Kentucky income tax form, the tax refund check-off allows
Kentuckians to make a tax-deductible donation to the fund.

“I hope you will join me in
checking off the box to donate a portion of your tax refund to the CVTF,”
General Conway said. “Your contribution goes a long way to help support evidence-based
programs that fight child abuse in Kentucky and protect our most vulnerable
children.”

Along with the Kentucky Income
Tax Refund Check-Off and now online donations, CVTF prevention activities and
child advocacy programs are funded through private donations and proceeds from
the “I Care About Kids” license plates. For more information on the CSAEP Board
and CVTF, visit ICareAboutKids.ky.gov.